Why Me? by Alex Howard 2nd (second) Edition

by Alex Howard

Alex Howard was a normal, happy teenager until just before his 16th birthday, when he began to experience strange, unexplained physical symptoms. In time he was diagnosed with ME, or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a severe illness that the medical profession has yet to offer an explanation or cure for. After spending two years bed-bound and developing clinical depression, Alex committed himself to finding a cure and returning himself to health and happiness. This book follows him on an amazing journey that will challenge your most basic assumptions about life.

Genres: Nonfiction

Unknown Binding

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 1 out of 5]

*warning* - this is going to be more of a rant than a review. :)

I've had M.E. for over 3 years now so to be told by the author (who I personally think is a moron) that the problem is "all in my head" is hugely insulting as well as a blatant lie.

To the review...

The book starts with a 15 year old Alex. One day he wakes up and he doesn't feel right. At first he thinks it's merely a hangover. However, as the day goes on he becomes panicky and dizzy as well as being incredibly tired. He later describes blurred vision, problems swallowing and balance problems.

Eventually, after 2 months of being sick his doctors tells him "ME is the most likely explanation."

He then proceeds to spend a huge part of the book criticising everyone from his mum and stepdad for his poor upbringing to doctors and the "shortcomings of modern medicine".

He then enjoys explaining how he is superior to everyone around him for example, his girlfriend (didn't have the "depth of being" he requires in a woman), old school friends, college lecturers ("To say that some of my lecturers lacked a flair for public speaking is a serious understatement; I think many of them lacked a flair for speaking, period"). He also brags of how he didn't listen to lectures and merely studied for the second year of his degree in the ten weeks before his exams - coming top of his class of course(!).

In between his criticisms and tales of how wonderful he is, he discusses various seminars, "gurus" that he visits and self help books that he has read. He talks about people "curing" themselves of HIV and terminal cancer. Some of these "cures" take a year or so - others merely one day! Now if some of these "cures" were even moderately successful how come they are not more well known?!

The author then concludes by discussing how he was "cured" by the Lightning Process (if anyone is unaware of this, please feel free to visit http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Lightning... - there are many more articles like this online. Makes for interesting reading.)

Conveniently towards the end of the book, he starts to discuss the clinic he has set up - "The Optimum Health Clinic" which is based in Harley Street nonetheless. Make of that what you will....

Overall, patronising book, pretentious and deluded author. Avoid.

[Valerie (Pate) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is most likely only relevant to those who have suffered with M.E./Chronic Fatigue, or have known someone who has. Having been diagnosed with M.E. myself, just two years ago, I have found the lack of readily available information disconcerting; not to mention the frustration I feel over the misconceptions and misunderstandings that surround M.E. and other invisible illnesses.
For this reason alone, I would have found the story of Alex Howard's brave journey and inspirational recovery from M.E. fascinating. The fact that Alex was diagnosed with an illness in the 90's that still divides medical opinions today, makes his determination to achieve full recovery even more impressive. Alex tried every available treatment, no matter how unique or holistic. The reader is invited to share in Alex's opinions and responses to every attempt he made throughout the years to heal his mind and body. In the end, it is a combination of several treatments that Alex promotes as the path to wellness within his very own clinic for the treatment of chronic fatigue (The Optimum Health Clinic in London).
Unlike other personal accounts that I have read, this book doesn't really suffer from being a good story that is poorly written. While Alex's words are candid and conversational, they are far from inept and aggravating. Alex openly shares quite a bit of himself in the telling of his story, and for that he has my respect and admiration as well. It takes courage to share a piece of writing that is close to your heart, but even more so when that story involves the intimate pieces of your private life.
I am thankful to the friend who recommended this book. Perhaps what I like best is the positive message it conveys. Alex truly believes that every sufferer of Chronic Fatigue is capable of recovery. As a woman in her 30's with young children, I can honestly say, that is something that I was very grateful to hear.

[Jo]

must confess to mixed feelings about this one - went on the emotional rollercoaster that is ME, reliving my own journey as well as empathizing with Alex - a very honest (if a little arrogant at times) account of a terrible start with a happy ending - a man to admire

[Rosie Tamplin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting to learn about his journey. Thought he was a little crazy at times (channelling spirits and walking on fire??) but some useful and interesting info including about treatment approaches in the final chapters.